The Golden State Warriors have faced a significant number of injuries this season. This situation raises the question of whether they might trade their star player.
Steph Curry, now 38 years old, continues to be a strong scorer, hitting over 40 points four times this season. Although he has never indicated a desire to leave the Warriors after 17 seasons, a trade may be necessary if he aims for playoff success and the team looks to rebuild.
Injuries Impacting the Warriors
Moses Moody suffered a torn patella recently, while Jimmy Butler tore his ACL in January. Both players are expected to miss most of the next season. This situation will leave the Warriors with two roster spots filled and over $69M committed to players either out or recovering from serious injuries.
This is a challenge for a team already set to pay over $90M to Curry and Draymond Green in the 2026-27 season. The four top players on the team are combining for nearly $160M, nearing next year’s projected salary cap of $165M.
The team currently has only rookie Will Richard and Brandin Podziemski under contract for next season, leaving at least seven roster spots to fill. If the Warriors pick late in the lottery and keep their selection, they will need to sign six more players while staying within $28-29M below the luxury tax line, or $36-37M below the first apron.
De’Anthony Melton may deserve a raise from his current minimum salary. Kristaps Porzingis is on the open market as an unrestricted free agent, and Al Horford has a $6M player option for the upcoming year. Given their financial situation and current injuries, creating a competitive roster is a significant challenge for the Warriors.
Curry’s Loyalty vs. Competitive Drive
It is difficult to picture the Warriors trading Curry unless he explicitly requests it. He mentioned to The Athletic that retirement is not on his mind, as he enjoys “chasing something that matters,” which may not be feasible with next season’s roster. After winning four championships and setting the NBA’s three-point record, he seems to have little left to prove.
One possible option for Curry might be to move to his hometown team, the Charlotte Hornets, who recently retired his father’s jersey. With a young roster, future draft picks, and the capability to manage a large contract, this team could offer Curry a chance to compete without feeling like just another player.
However, it seems more plausible that the Warriors might trade Green, who will earn $27.7M next season and has seen a decline in his offensive performance. Nonetheless, he remains a strong defensive asset. In an offseason with few impactful free agents, Green could be the player who helps a playoff team take the next step.
The Warriors face difficult decisions this summer. Trading Curry would be the hardest choice, yet it could be the best move for both him and the franchise.